Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 522

It was truly strange. Even in silence, one could feel a certain atmosphere. Sometimes it held fear, sometimes surprise, and other times admiration. But the silence in the conference hall now was filled with a unanimous feeling of ‘absurdity’.

The officials, regaining their senses one by one, began to voice their opinions.

“Your Highness, a Queen who fights on the battlefield with you? That’s absurd. The Queen should protect the palace in Your Highness’s stead. How can both of you be away from your posts?”

“Yes. The people of Bariel will be uneasy.”

“And above all—”

Above all, among the noble ladies, who would go to the battlefield and fight alongside Jin in the enemy lines?

For the nobles, participating in war was a daunting task even for the young masters who had been consistently trained in swordsmanship and horsemanship. It was rarely done unless in special circumstances. Like the Queen, they mostly stayed inside to protect Bariel.

‘I heard the Serio family participated in the Clifford-Burgos War before, but the military expenses were enormous, weren’t they? They only squandered their family fortune and gained nothing.’

‘That’s a bit different, but, ahem.’

‘Shhh. Why are you mentioning that family? It’s bad luck.’

The last time they showed participation, the result was also disastrous. It was safe to say that unless a family was on the verge of collapse, no family member would directly participate in the war.

And what was that about giving 80% of their wealth to the defense fund?

“Your Highness. Perhaps… you still have no intention of marrying?”

It wasn’t just a roundabout way of saying he didn’t want a partner. He was openly putting up resistance.

But Jin, feigning ignorance, shrugged and replied in a nonchalant tone.

“The continuation of the Imperial family is an urgent matter, so why would I refuse a national marriage? The Queen is my partner and a member of the Imperial family, so her family is also my family. What’s so difficult about showing that much sincerity for the war? If I were the head of the Queen’s family, I would have given everything. The revival of Bariel is the revival of the family.”

“Your Highness.”

“Also, although it is customary for the Queen to remain in the palace during wartime, there is no obligation to do so. It’s not like I have an heir to take care of right now. It is said that a couple is of one mind, so I want someone who will raise the glory of Bariel with me on the battlefield.”

“Oh my, this is quite something.”

Everyone whispered, unable to hide their bewildered expressions. The only one who came to mind was Lady Kayla of the Holin family, but even she was primarily focused on weapon manufacturing rather than swordsmanship, so it was uncertain whether she would meet Jin’s standards.

More than anything, the question was whether Kayla herself would accept going to the battlefield.

“Your Highness. These are not typical standards.”

“Why are you, not my father or mother, trying to set the standards for my partner?”

“But Your Highness, most of the daughters of prestigious families are far from swordsmanship or martial arts.”

“Then they should go to the battlefield in advance. Those who have the will can train and come out.”

“Your Highness!”

Are you joking?

When the official shouted with wide eyes, Jin only smiled. The gaze was so fierce that the answer was clear.

“Why?”

He wasn’t joking.

If it were any other time, they would have tried to add various comments. But those who had debts to pay followed the silent Minister of Magic and kept quiet, and even Davion’s side, bound by the evaluation system, quietly turned their heads.

So who would dare to loudly call it an absurd standard? The officials clicked their tongues inwardly, trying to suppress their dismal feelings.

‘If we leave it like this, even if something big happens in the Imperial Palace, the officials won’t be able to say a word.’

‘Yes, that’s right. His Highness needs to listen to everyone’s opinions. Haha.’

“Your Highness.”

At that moment, Ian broke the silence and spoke.

“Victory in war can only be achieved when everyone does their part properly. Soldiers with swords and shields, medics who support them, and even cooks. Considering the reality, it would be better to ease the conditions a little.”

Otherwise, the opposition from officials and nobles might become fierce.

He didn’t add the last part, but Ian knew that Jin clearly understood his intention.

“Alright. That makes sense. It doesn’t have to be someone who wields a weapon. I will keep an eye on anyone who participates and does their part, whatever role it may be.”

“That is wise.”

Is that enough? When Ian slightly raised his head and looked at the officials, they all chorused as if they had no choice.

“Yes, Your Highness. That is wise.”

“Then let’s move on to the next matter. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should send invitations to the coronation ceremony to the nine major countries, excluding Burgos.”

Except for Clopord, Luswena, and Hawan, most of them were small northern countries.

Astana was also one of them.

Ian and Romandro made eye contact at the same time. They thought they would be able to see Hasha after a long time.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs nodded to accept the order, and the officials discussed the exact date and order of the ceremony in detail.

‘Send this to the Holin family.’

‘Send it to Davion.’

Even during that time, numerous notes were exchanged under the table. The officials sent fresh information to the families they were aligned with. Both Jin and Ian noticed the busy movements, but they pretended not to notice and focused only on the meeting.

“But, if it’s either giving up their wealth or having their daughter participate in the war, what if they all rush to the war? That’s a problem in itself.”

“That’s unlikely. Holin and Davion are standing firm. It will be a competition between Lady Kayla and Lady Chloe. If they step into a place full of carnage without knowing their place, they will be cut off.”

“Is that so? Even though Holin’s influence has waned.”

“Yes, Lady Kayla might participate if things go well, but I don’t know about Lady Chloe.”

The officials shook their heads, saying they didn’t know what would happen in the future. They quickly quieted down at Jin’s warning gaze, which was full of warning.

* * *

“Chloe. Look at this. It’s a new dress that just came in, isn’t it pretty? But the color doesn’t suit me. Do you want to wear it?”

“Hmm. It’s nice. It’s bright and pretty.”

“What’s this?”

“I received it as a birthday gift last time, but I haven’t worn it much.”

“That’s what Sir Charlotte gave you.”

“Why does it matter who gave it to me? What matters is that it doesn’t suit me.”

“That’s true. It’s a bit off. Did Sir Charlotte have no taste? Chloe looks good in almost everything.”

Chloe was sitting with her close noble friends, sharing clothes and jewelry.

Chloe, standing in front of the mirror, was radiant from head to toe. Her brilliant red hair, earrings, flawless smooth skin, and necklace.

She smiled contentedly for a moment, but then the sound of heavy footsteps came from outside.

“Young Lady!”

“Nanny, I told you not to make a fuss.”

Chloe scolded her nanny through the mirror. Normally, she would have apologized immediately, but the nanny was panting and waving her hand.

“This is not the time to be doing this, ah, no. Hah, hah.”

“What’s wrong? What happened?”

“His Highness the Crown Prince has announced the standards for appointing the Queen. A message has just arrived from the Imperial Palace.”

Chloe turned her head sharply, and the ladies sitting on the sofa also looked at the nanny with curious eyes. Finally, an official statement had been made regarding the Crown Prince’s marriage.

As Chloe strode towards the nanny, the other ladies pretended not to look but pricked up their ears.

‘What are the standards?’

‘I don’t know.’

While curious, their eyes were filled with a hint of expectation. Even though they had been saying that Chloe was the only one fit to be the Queen, they secretly wondered if they could be the one.

“What? Are you kidding me?”

“N-No, I’m not kidding, Young Lady. It seems that your master is also rushing home after hearing the message. It seems they will hold a family meeting tonight to discuss it.”

“What is this…”

“Chloe, what’s wrong?”

“What happened?”

Chloe stared blankly into the air, then turned her head at the ladies’ call. Her topaz-like golden eyes were filled with an unknown emotion.

“Why?”

Tell me quickly. What kind of partner is His Highness the Crown Prince looking for? Family? Beauty? Or knowledge?

“I don’t understand what this means.”

“What do you mean?”

“He said he would choose from those who either give 80% of their family’s wealth to the defense fund or participate in the war with him.”

The ladies’ eyes, which had been sparkling a moment ago, quickly faded. What kind of crazy condition was that?

“Could it be misinformation?”

“That’s right. Marriages are sometimes distorted—”

“Well, it’s a direct message.”

When Chloe sat down in front of the dressing table and stated firmly, the ladies exchanged glances with a miserable look. It was a way of saying that even if their families had no connection to the Imperial Palace, Davion’s information was accurate.

They leaned their arms on the back of the sofa and looked at Chloe.

“What are you going to do?”

“My father has issued a family summons today.”

“But the content is a bit strange. It’s a condition that favors Lady Kayla. Could it be that His Highness the Crown Prince has his heart set on her?”

At those words, Chloe turned her gaze to the side and looked at the ladies. Her eyes looked like they could devour a person, and everyone just gave an awkward smile.

“No, I mean, Lady Kayla has knowledge of weapons and is skilled in swordsmanship, so it would be better for her to go to the battlefield than to give 80% of her wealth, right? Surely His Highness wouldn’t put a duchess’s daughter on the front lines, and Lady Kayla could just go out and suffer a little. It’s much better than giving up her wealth.”

“That’s right. And since she’ll be by His Highness’s side, there will be private conversations.”

“Chloe, you wouldn’t go to war if they told you to, would you? Talk to the Count when he returns. There might be a way.”

“Yes. In many ways, you are more suitable than Lady Kayla, but why did His Highness the Crown Prince set such conditions?”

“A national marriage is not a joke, is it?”

“It’s a bit absurd. He should have postponed the national marriage instead. It’s just causing a lot of talk.”

Clack.

Chloe took off her earrings and placed them down with a sound. Then, she smiled brightly and replied.

“As I said, I have no intention of going to war. But how can we dare to fathom His Highness’s intentions? Let’s all refrain from making rude remarks.”

Because he is the man who will be my partner in the future.

Chloe believed that Jin had insight, and if so, he would surely choose her, not Kayla. Although the conditions seemed unfavorable to her at first glance, she thought there must be another meaning behind it.

The ladies smiled, as if they understood, and the conversation stopped awkwardly.

‘It’s right to think that giving up family wealth is not an option. It’s just a minimum qualification, so it’s wise to hold the family’s power in case of any problems.’

Then the only thing left was to go to the battlefield.

But no matter how much she thought about it, it was impossible for her. She had never even properly held a teapot in her life. What would she do there? It was absurd to think she could do her part, and she might even hinder her allies.

“…If I can’t go, I can make sure Kayla can’t go either.”

“Huh? What did you say?”

“You know, there’s something I need you to find out.”

“W-What is it?”

We’re friends, right? Chloe approached the ladies and whispered kindly.

“Can you go to the Holin family and see what the atmosphere is like? And there’s something that’s been bothering me for a while. The jewelry that Lady Kayla wore on her coming-of-age day. Please get it for me.”

“H-How can we do that, Chloe?”

When the ladies showed reluctance, the smile completely disappeared from Chloe’s face.

“Do it well, with your abilities. It shouldn’t be a problem for my friends.”